Olé, Olé, Olé...oh wait

That doesn't look like Ireland playing Uruguay tomorrow night! Of course its not, it's France with arch-cheat Thierry Henry warming the bench! Oh well, World Cup 2010 kicks off in Soccer City tomorrow afternoon regardless. I'll be watching of course, more in hope than expectation of a good tournament-recent experience would suggest that the standard has fallen and that negative play will win the day. Add to the fact that an ever growing list of stars look like they will miss some (Arjen Robben) or all (Michael Essien) of the tournament

Spain are favourites, and rightly so, but all but very recent history suggests that they will flatter to deceive. Barcelona's failure to break down 10 man Inter Milan at the Nou Camp provides hope for those who would seek to derail their quest. Injuries may also have a say in how Spain fare-Torres, Fabregas and Iniesta have all had extended periods out this season, and in the case of Torres especially, you wouldn't be confident that Spain will be able to field a first choice XI in all their games. Still, a favourable group should allow them safe passage to the 2nd round. Things could get tricky at that point.

Brazil are always in the discussion, and it's no different this year. However, this Brazilian side, under the guidance of former midfield stopper Dunga, are somewhat of a different propostion to sides that graced past tournments. Their success is just as likely to be based on solid defence as it is to rely on graceful attacking ability. They have a good goalkeeper, solid centre backs, and 2 holding midfielders. Expect to see the full backs operate very much as auxiliary wingers, but both can defend adequately when required to do so (maybe more so on the right side). Whether Kaka's miserable season at Madrid will affect his performance in South Africa will likely have a large say in Brazil's fortunes, and the same type question mark hangs over Robinho. It will also be interesting to see whether Luis Fabiano has the temprament and star power to make an impact and if the decision to omit AC Milan duo Robinho and Pato will backfire.

Argentina have the world's finest player in Lionel Messi, but a maverick manager in Maradona. Qualifiying was a slog, and there have been some odd omissions from the squad, as well as a few surprises (to me) included (Coloccini, Jonas Gutierrez, Veron...), but any team that boasts Messi and a striker as clinical as Diego Milito will be a threat. They have a fairly easy group, with Nigeria and Greece providing a familiar look to their 1st round group in 2004 (Maradona's last World Cup, which ended with a failed drug test), and I would see them going as far as the semi-finals.

England will of course fancy their chances-don't they always-but in fairness, their belief may not be short of foundation this time round. They were very solid in qualifiying and have a world class manager. The form of Wayne Rooney was outstanding this year, and they will lean heavuily on him for both goals and inspiration in South Africa. His recent issues in a meangingless warm-up game highlight where it could all go wrong-it will be intresting to see if any teams deliberately wave the red rag at him-the US have said they won't, but don't believe everything you read. I don't think England will win-outside of Rooney they lack real class at this level.

Italy haven't done much too impress since Berlin in 2006 (you could argue they weren't too impressive that night either!), but if they were good enough to win it in 2006, and only lost to Spain on penalties in Euro 2008, then I can see them sneaking through to at least the Semi-Finals this time round. Cynicism and experience tend to go a long way towards being sucessful.

Of the rest. I just can't see Germany maintaining the high levels of excellence they have shown in past tournaments-to me, they just don't have the players. As Ireland demonstrated, France are not great-they may have good players, but their coach appears to be the weak link. While Holland strolled through qualifiying, I'm not convinced they will have as easy a ride in South Africa, but like Germany and France, should make it as far as the Quarter Finals. Of the remaining European teams, Portugal face a tough opening group, but a win in their opening game against the Ivory Coast should see them advance. Serbia have the players, especially in defence, but have a poor record in major tournaments. Australia and the USA will fancy their chances at a 2nd round berth. Ghana may struggle without the services of Michael Essien, and the Ivory Coast will go as Didier Drogba goes (and that may not be until after they play Portugal).

Prediction time
Winners: Brazil
Runners-up: Italy
Semi-Finals: Argentina and England
Golden Ball: Messi
Golden Boot: Kaka
Dark Horse: Portugal to beat Spain and make Quarter Finals (it's best I can do!)